global travel protection

International LifeLine™... We DELIVER GET BRING HELP You Home

International lifeline™ is your lifeline in today’s world.

  • Worldwide Critical Event & Emergency Medical Response Management Coverage for Domestic and International Travel
  • ZERO Deductibles or Out-of-Pocket Expenses
  • A Staffed International Response Center Available 24 Hours a Day - 7 Days a Week - 365 Days a Year
  • Affordable Memberships for Individuals, Couples & Families

What Is An International LifeLine™ Membership?

Simply put, it is PEACE OF MIND.

It’s knowing that no matter where you are in the world – 99 miles from home or in a faraway land, you have a protective umbrella of coverage in the event of an emergency.

International LifeLine™ is at your service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

More than just a Membership, it is a critical component of a complete travel plan.

About International LifeLine™

International LifeLine™ is a critical event and travel risk management service providing on-demand incident management and emergency response services worldwide.

Having the resources to get you and your family home safely, no matter where you are, should be first and foremost in your travel plans.

Accidents and emergencies are a regular occurrence – catastrophes can strike when you least expect them. Natural disasters, infectious diseases, unexpected health conditions, car and pedestrian accidents, or even political or civil unrest, terrorism, or war can quickly turn the vacation of a lifetime into a nightmare.

Most individuals are not financially prepared for the costs associated with unexpected emergencies – especially while traveling.

While traditional travel insurance may cover things like lost luggage, an International LifeLine™ Membership will bridge the gap to ensure you can get yourself, and your loved ones, home safely and quickly without any co-pays, up-front costs, or added out-of-pocket expenses.

International LifeLine™ services include:

• Worldwide Medical Evacuation & Repatriation

• Emergency Political & Civil Unrest Evacuation

• Kidnap & Extortion Resolution Services

Make sure your travel plans include an International LifeLine™ Membership!

global travel protection

Easily Manage Your Membership

Simply login to your account from your smart phone or computer! It's that simple!

24x7 Assistance

Call Our 24-Hour US Based Emergency Response Center (855) 642-1615 or +44 20 3397 2317

Secure Access

Providing the highest security from anywhere around the globe. State of the art encrypted technology.

Travel Risk Statistics

Worldwide Medical Evacuation

Worldwide Medical Evacuation

International LifeLine™ provides repatriation coordination and medical evacuation services.  The last thing you want is to be stranded in a remote location and have an emergency need where evacuation is necessary.  At International LifeLine™, our Worldwide Medical Evacuation program’s number one goal is getting you home safely.

global travel protection

Kidnap & Extortion Resolution

As businesses and individuals cross borders into new and emerging markets around the world, kidnap, ransom, extortion and detention are unfortunately an increasing threat.  International LifeLine™ is prepared to keep you and your loved ones safe, no matter where in the world such a crisis may occur.

Barcelona

Emergency Political & Civil Unrest Evacuation

Peace time comes and goes quickly.  Riots and political uprisings often occur unexpectedly, and in places where you are least prepared.  International LifeLine™ can assist you in this time of need. Our International LifeLine™ political and civil unrest evacuation program will identify a safe area for you and get you home.

global travel protection

Total Protection For All Travelers

  An International LifeLine™ Membership is for:

  • Domestic & International Travel
  • Business & Leisure Travelers
  • Corporations Providing for Employee Travel
  • Students Worldwide Including Youth Sports Travel
  • Commuters & Everyone Else!

Stay In The Know!

Get all the latest news and events from International LifeLine™ including safety travel alerts and more. 

Have a Question?

Get your questions answered at our live info session !

Global Travel Protection plan

Travel insurance requirements and options for your EF Gap Year.

global travel protection

All EF Gap Year participants are required to have adequate travel insurance.

Below is a summary of required and suggested insurance coverage.

Required coverage:

Accident and Sickness – $100,000

Accidental Death & Dismemberment – $50,000

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation – $150,000

Non-Medical Evacuation – $100,000

Highly recommended coverage:

Cancellation for Valid Reason – $22,000 (Gap Semester) / $39,500 (Gap Year)

Trip Interruption – $33,000 (Gap Semester) / $59,250 (Gap Year)

Travel Delay – $2,500

EF Gap Year’s Global Travel Protection plan

EF Gap Year offers a specially designed Global Travel Protection plan for our program participants that meets all of the requirements and recommendations outlined above at very competitive rates:

Gap Year: $900

Gap Semester: $500

Short-Term: $400

Note: The cost of the Global Travel Protection plan is not included in the Gap Year, Gap Semester, or Short-Term base price, but an additional charge.

The Global Travel Protection plan includes insured components that are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company and non-insurance assistance services provided by Falck Global Assistance. You can find further details of the policy, coverage limits, and exclusions here . The Global Travel Protection plan becomes non-refundable after any of the following occur: when you depart on your program, when you file a claim, or 10 days after payment.

Filing a Claim

If you purchased the Global Travel Protection plan and wish to file a claim, you can do so in just a few simple steps. Claims instructions and helpful links are listed below for your convenience. And if you have any questions, we’re here to help. Just give the EF Gap team a call at 1-800-726-9746.

To get started, review the policy page to find information specific to when you purchased coverage.

Find your required form to file a claim due to a medical claim, cancellation delay, interruption or lost baggage.

Providing your own travel insurance

If you choose not to purchase EF Gap Year’s Global Travel Protection plan, you will need to provide proof of adequate insurance coverage prior to departure. Please be advised that many insurance companies do not offer travel abroad coverage for individuals. Be sure to check with your provider about the types of coverage they can offer and at what price. We strongly suggest you compare their rates against ours.

  • Travel Insurance
  • Best Travel Insurance Companies

11 Best Travel Insurance Companies Of March 2024

Michelle Megna

Reviewed By

Updated: Mar 14, 2024, 9:29am

Whether you’re traveling to another continent or to another state, travel insurance can mitigate the amount of money you can lose if unforeseen events disrupt your trip. For example, the best travel insurance policies can compensate you if you have to suddenly cancel your trip, experience delays or have to return home early due to an emergency.

Why you can trust Forbes Advisor

Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate insurance companies, so all companies are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the methodology for the ratings below.

  • 39 travel insurance policies evaluated
  • 1,482 coverage details analyzed
  • 102 years of insurance experience on the editorial team

Considering Travel Insurance?

Via Forbes Advisor's Website

  • Cheapest Travel Insurance Plans
  • Best Senior Travel Insurance
  • Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Plans
  • Best Annual Travel Insurance
  • Best Travel Medical Insurance

The Best Travel Insurance Companies

Summary: best travel insurance ratings, what does travel insurance cover, what’s not covered by travel insurance, how much does travel insurance cost, what affects travel insurance costs, how to get travel insurance, do i need travel insurance, how to choose the best travel insurance policy, top travel destinations in march 2024, where are people headed this month.

  • List of January 2024 Top Travel Destinations

Travel Insurance Outlook for 2024

Methodology, best travel insurance companies frequently asked questions (faqs), compare travel insurance quotes, compare & buy travel insurance.

  • Travel Insured International – Best for Non-Medical Evacuation
  • WorldTrips (Atlas Journey Premier and Atlas Journey Preferred) – Great for Add-On Coverage
  • Nationwide (Cruise Luxury) – Best for Upgrades
  • TravelSafe – Best for Missed Connections
  • AIG – Best for Customization
  • AXA Assistance USA – Best for Baggage
  • Generali Global Assistance – Great for Pre-Existing Medical Condition Coverage
  • HTH Worldwide – Best for Trip Interruption
  • Nationwide (Cruise Choice) – Great for Cruise Itinerary Change/Inconvenience
  • Seven Corners – Best for Medical/Evacuation
  • Travelex Insurance Services – Best for Families

BEST FOR NON-MEDICAL EVACUATION

Travel insured international.

Travel Insured International

Top-scoring plan

Worldwide Trip Protector

Missed Connection benefits per person

Medical & evacuation limits per person

$100,000/$1 million

If lower medical expense coverage limits suffice, Travel Insured’s Worldwide Trip Protector plan offers robust benefits at a competitive price and provides superior non-medical evacuation coverage.

More: Travel Insured International Travel Insurance Review

  • “Cancel for any reason” and “interruption for any reason” upgrades available.
  • Top-notch non-medical evacuation benefits of $150,000 per person.
  • Good travel delay and baggage delay benefits kick in after just a 3-hour delay.
  • Medical coverage of $100,000 per person is on the low side compared to top competitors but might be enough for your needs.
  • Missed connection benefits of $500 are low compared to other top-rated competitors and for cruise and tours only.

GREAT FOR ADD-ON COVERAGE

WorldTrips

Atlas Journey Premier

Missed connection limits per person

$150,000/$1 million

The Atlas Journey Premier plan offers trip cancellation and trip interruption upgrades. Other available upgrades include extra coverage for pets traveling with you, adventure sports, destination weddings, hunting and fishing equipment and more.

The Atlas Journey Premier plan also has very good travel delay and missed connection benefits, and a low average cost compared to competitors.

Another option is the Atlas Journey Preferred plan, but this policy doesn’t offer the “interruption for any reason” upgrade and has lower travel medical benefits of $100,000 per person. Still, it hits all the marks for great benefits at a low price. It also offers lots of choices for add-on coverage.

More: WorldTrips Travel Insurance Review

  • “Cancel for any reason” and “interruption for any reason” upgrades available with the Premier policy.
  • Very good travel delay benefits of $2,000 per person after only 5 hours.
  • Very good missed connection coverage of $2,000 per person after 3 hours.
  • Medical coverage level is low compared to some competitors evaluated.
  • Baggage delay benefits have a 12-hour waiting period.

BEST FOR UPGRADES

Nationwide

Cruise Luxury

Missed connection benefits per person

Nationwide’s Cruise Luxury plan includes great missed connection benefits and non-medical evacuation coverage, and offers cancellation and interruption upgrades.

More: Nationwide Travel Insurance Review

  • Includes $25,000 in non-medical evacuation benefits.
  • Good travel delay benefits of $1,000.
  • Medical coverage is lower than most other top-rated plans but might be sufficient for your needs.
  • 24-hour delay required for hurricane and weather coverage, compared to some competitor policies with only a 12-hour delay requirement.

BEST FOR MISSED CONNECTIONS

TravelSafe

Classic Plan

While its medical expenses coverage is low compared to other top plans, TravelSafe’s Classic plan has high limits for most other coverages, including superior missed connection benefits.

More: TravelSafe Travel Insurance Review

  • “Cancel for any reason” upgrade available.
  • Superior missed connection limits of $2,500, and baggage loss coverage limits of $2,500.
  • Great travel delay limits of $2,000 per person, after a 6-hour delay.
  • $100,000 in medical benefits is on the low side compared to top competitors but might be sufficient for your needs.
  • Baggage delay coverage is a little skimpy at $250 per person after a 12-hour delay.

BEST FOR CUSTOMIZATION

AIG

Travel Guard Deluxe

Missed connections benefits per person

Optional pet, wedding, security, baggage, medical, adventures sports and travel inconvenience upgrades allow you to customize this AIG policy to your needs. Additionally, the Travel Guard Deluxe plan includes benefits if, under certain conditions, you must start your trip earlier than planned—a feature not found in all policies.

The Travel Guard Preferred plan also earned 4 stars in our analysis, and comes with a lower price, but also with lower coverage amounts. It provides $50,000 for medical expenses and $500,000 for medical evacuation benefits.

More: AIG Travel Insurance Review

  • Offers upgrades to meet the needs and budgets of many different kinds of travelers.
  • Includes $100,000 for security evacuation and superior medical evacuation coverage of $1 million.
  • Provides up to $750 for “travel inconveniences,” such as flight delay to your return destination, runway delays and cruise diversions.
  • Has good travel delay coverage of $1,000, with a short waiting period of 5 hours.
  • The Travel Guard Deluxe policy has robust coverage across the board but also a high average cost compared to other top-rated policies.
  • Medical expense coverage of $100,000 is on the low side, but might be adequate for your needs.

BEST FOR BAGGAGE

Axa assistance usa.

AXA Assistance USA

Platinum Plan

$250,000/$1 million

AXA’s Platinum plan hits all the high points for coverage that you’ll want if you’re looking for top-notch protection, including excellent baggage and non-medical evacuation benefits.

More: AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Review

  • Generous medical and evacuation limits, with $100,000 in non-medical evacuation—among the highest for plans we evaluated.
  • Top-notch baggage loss coverage of $3,000 per person.
  • Coverage for lost ski days, lost golf rounds and sports equipment rental.
  • Travel delay and baggage coverage kicks in only after a 12-hour delay.
  • The average cost for the Platinum plan is only so-so compared to other top-rated plans, although you do get robust coverage for the money.

GREAT FOR PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION COVERAGE

Generali global assistance.

Generali Global Assistance

Missed connection benefits

Generali’s Premium policy provides very good benefits at a decent average price. It has excellent trip interruption insurance and superior medical evacuation benefits. Travelers with pre-existing conditions can get coverage as long as you buy a Premium policy up to or within 24 hours of your final trip deposit.

More: Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance Review

  • You can qualify for coverage of pre-existing medical conditions if you buy the policy prior to or within 24 hours of making your final trip payment, as opposed to a deadline of 10 to 20 days after making your first trip deposit , which is typical from top competitors.
  • Excellent trip interruption coverage of up to 175% of your trip costs.
  • Very good baggage loss coverage at $2,000 per person.
  • If you want “cancel for any reason” coverage you must buy it within 24 hours of making your initial trip deposit, compared to 10 to 20 days from top competitors.
  • Baggage delay benefits kick in only after a 12-hour delay.

BEST FOR TRIP INTERRUPTION

Hth worldwide.

HTH Worldwide

TripProtector Preferred Plan

$500,000/$1 million

HTH’s TripProtector Preferred provides luxury-level benefits and superior trip interruption benefits.

More: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance Review

  • Top-notch coverage limits for medical expenses and evacuation.
  • Excellent trip interruption coverage of 200% of the trip cost.
  • Very good travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person after a 6-hour delay.
  • Higher average price compared to most companies we evaluated, but you’re getting robust benefits.
  • Baggage delay coverage requires a 12-hour delay.

GREAT FOR CRUISE ITINERARY CHANGE/INCONVENIENCE

Cruise Choice

$100,000/$500,000

While $100,000 in medical expense coverage is on the low side, Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan includes non-medical evacuation coverage and offers a trip interruption upgrade. It also provides compensation if you miss activities because your cruise ship changes its itinerary, and for the inconvenience of delays to the next port of call.

  • “Interruption for any reason” upgrade available.
  • Provides benefits if you miss out on a prepaid activity or event because your cruise ship changes its itinerary.
  • Provides benefits if your cruise ship has a fire or mechanical breakdown that delays arrival at the next port of call for two or more hours.
  • “Cancel for any reason” upgrade not available.

BEST FOR MEDICAL/EVACUATION COVERAGE

Seven corners.

Seven Corners

Trip Protection Choice

Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Choice plan has superior medical and evacuation benefits and provides great upgrade options and benefits across the board.

More: Seven Corners Travel Insurance Review

  • Superior coverage limits for medical expenses and medical evacuation.
  • “Cancel for any reason” and “interruption for any reason” upgrade available.
  • Very good travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person.
  • Includes $20,000 for non-medical evacuation
  • Hurricane and weather coverage has a 48-hour delay, compared to some competitors that require only 12-hour delays.
  • Average cost is only so-so compared to other top-rated policies we evaluated.

BEST FOR FAMILIES

Travelex insurance services.

Travelex Insurance Services

Travel Select

$50,000/$500,000

Travelex Insurance Services’ Travel Select plan is a solid choice at a competitive price, especially for families, although coverage limits are lower than those of top competitors.

More: Travelex Travel Insurance Review

  • Includes free coverage for children age 17 and under (when accompanied by an adult covered by the policy).
  • Very good travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person after a 5-hour delay.
  • Medical coverage of $50,000 per person is on the low side.
  • Baggage delay coverage requires a 12-hour delay and has a low $200 per person limit.
  • Missed connection benefits are lower than many other competitors.

Comprehensive travel insurance policies package together a number of valuable benefits. You can also buy policies that cover only trip cancellation or only medical expenses. With the wide variety of travel insurance plans available, you can find coverage levels that will fit your budget and trip needs.

Look for these top coverage options in a comprehensive travel insurance plan.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

You don’t book a trip with the intention of canceling it, but unexpected illness, injury, family member sickness, jury duty and more could disrupt plans. Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you 100% for money you lose in prepaid, non-refundable deposits if you have to cancel for a reason listed in the policy.

If Covid is a concern, you can find travel insurance policies that cover Covid-related trip cancellation if you contract the virus right before the trip.

A good strategy for trip cancellation coverage is to buy insurance for the total amount you have put into non-refundable and prepaid deposits. Don’t insure refundable amounts, like refundable plane tickets, because you can’t make an insurance claim for that.

Travel Delay Insurance

It can be inconvenient, stressful and costly if your trip is delayed due to unforeseen events.

Travel delay insurance reimburses you for expenses if you’re stuck somewhere due to a holdup that’s covered by your travel insurance plan. For example, if you’re stranded in an airport all day because bad weather delays your flight, travel delay insurance can reimburse you for necessities like food and toiletries.

If you have a long delay, travel delay benefits can pay for an Uber, a night in a hotel and meals. Travel delay insurance has a specified waiting period before benefits apply—for example, six or 12 hours—and also a per day maximum limit and a total maximum per person.

“Cancel for Any Reason” Coverage

If you want the freedom to cancel your trip no matter what, look for travel insurance that allows you to upgrade your trip cancellation insurance to “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance . Having CFAR allows you to cancel your trip for any reason that’s not listed in your base policy. For example, you could cancel the trip because you simply don’t feel like going anymore, as long as you do so at least 48 hours before your departure time.

Reimbursement under a CFAR claim is 75% or 50% of your trip costs, not the 100% that’s available under the base trip cancellation coverage. CFAR adds an average of about 50% to an insurance plan’s cost. Not all travel insurance companies offer a CFAR upgrade.

Travel Medical Insurance

Travel medical insurance pays for ambulance service, X-rays, lab work, medicine, doctor and hospital bills, and other medical expenses during your trip. This is important coverage for travelers going abroad, where your U.S. health plan may have limited global coverage or no coverage. You can find generous coverage limits of up to $500,000 per person with some travel insurance policies, but you may decide that lower levels of coverage are adequate for your needs.

The best travel insurance for seniors includes travel medical insurance because Medicare does not pay for health care outside the U.S., except in very limited circumstances.

Many travel insurance policies cover Covid-related medical expenses just like any other illness—but not all do—so be sure to confirm that Covid is covered by your travel insurance policy if you contract the virus during your trip.

Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage

This is also important coverage for those traveling abroad, especially if you’re going to a remote area where quality medical care might be hard to find. Emergency medical evacuation insurance pays to get you to the nearest adequate medical facility. You can find ample coverage of $1 million per person in the best travel insurance policies..

Trip Interruption Insurance

If you have to cut your trip short because of a reason listed in the policy, trip interruption insurance is valuable coverage to have. It can reimburse you for the non-refundable parts of your trip that you miss, such as a resort stay or prepaid scuba diving lesson. It can also pay for a last-minute one-way ticket home if you have an emergency.

Baggage Delay Coverage

Your bags may be on their own detour, but what do you do while you’re waiting? This coverage reimburses you for necessities while you wait for your luggage. For example, if you’re in Canada you may need a coat, hat and essential toiletries. Policies usually require a certain time delay before baggage delay coverage kicks in, such as six hours.

Baggage Loss and Personal Effects Coverage

If your luggage doesn’t arrive at your destination when you do, it can throw your trip into chaos.

Baggage insurance can at least ease the financial pain a little. It can reimburse you for the bags and clothes and shoes that never arrive, but note that reimbursement is for the depreciated value of the items, not the cost to buy new ones. It also pays out for items lost to theft.

Travel Accident Insurance

Some travel insurance policies provide compensation for accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D). If an accident that’s covered by the policy kills or dismembers the policyholder during the trip, travel accident insurance pays out the specified amount.

Generally, AD&D travel insurance benefits cover death and the loss of feet, hands, sight, hearing, speech and fingers on the same hand caused by an accident. It usually pays out a percentage of the maximum benefit, depending on the loss. For example, the Atlas Journey Premier plan from WorldTrips includes $25,000 in AD&D coverage. It pays out 100% of the benefit if the policyholder loses both hands or both feet, both eyes or a hand and a foot. But it pays 50% if they lose either a hand or a foot or the sight in one eye.

There are common things not covered by travel insurance . Make sure you read a policy’s exclusions so you’re not caught by surprise later.

For example, injuries from high-risk activities may not be covered, such as scuba diving. Nor are problems that happen because you were drunk or using drugs.

Medical tourism is also a common exclusion, so if you’re going abroad for a face lift or other elective procedure, travel insurance won’t cover hospital bills or aftercare.

If you lose cash, or it’s stolen, that is typically also excluded from reimbursement under most travel insurance plans.

Keep in mind that travel insurance is designed to protect you against unforeseen events and emergencies. For instance, if you want to cancel a trip because you’re afraid of flying, that’s not covered under standard trip cancellation insurance.

The average cost of travel insurance is 6% of your trip cost, based on a Forbes Advisor analysis of travel insurance rates. The cost of travel insurance is usually mainly based on the age of travelers and the trip cost.

The plan and provider you choose will also affect cost. Here are examples of the costs of the top plans in our ratings.

Travel Insurance Cost Examples

Average costs are based on rates for seven different trips with a variety of traveler ages, trip costs and destinations. Note that policies have different levels of benefits, which can account for price differences.

Key factors that affect travel insurance cost are your trip cost, age and how much coverage you buy.

  • Trip cost: The more trip cost you insure, the higher your travel insurance cost. Your trip cost includes any prepaid, nonrefundable expenses, such as airfare, hotel accommodations, tours, event tickets, excursions and theme park passes.
  • Age: Your age is also taken into account in travel insurance pricing. That’s because older travelers tend to make more claims, such as medical claims.
  • Coverage: The more protection you buy, the more you’ll pay for travel insurance. For instance, if you opt for a “cancel for any reason”  upgrade and generous travel medical expense coverage, you’ll pay more.

Your destination, trip length and prior travel insurance claims history generally don’t influence how much you pay for travel insurance.

Buying travel insurance is relatively easy. You can typically buy a travel insurance policy online within a few minutes by entering your:

  • Destination
  • Travel dates
  • State of residence

You’ll typically be presented with a selection of policies, usually at different price points, with the more expensive ones providing more protection. Once you select a policy, you can buy it online.

If you’re unsure of your trip cost, you can estimate the amount, and then update it later, as long as it’s before your departure date. You don’t have to insure the total amount of your trip to buy travel insurance. But note that some add-on benefits require you to insure 100% of your trip costs for you to be eligible to file a claim, such as a “cancel for any reason” claim.

You usually have two weeks or so to review your policy. If you change your mind, you can get a refund, as long as it’s during the specified review period.

You’re asked for your state because laws regulating travel insurance vary by state—it doesn’t affect your cost.

You can also usually buy travel insurance through a travel agent or from a travel supplier like an airline or cruise company.

It’s best to buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. That way you get the maximum length of coverage for trip cancellation benefits. Buying a policy shortly after you make your first deposit also makes you eligible to buy upgrades, such as “cancel for any reason” coverage, and to get other time-sensitive benefits, such as a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver .

Here are some reasons you may need travel insurance.

You’re Traveling Overseas and Your Health Plan Doesn’t Have Global Coverage

Many health plans lack robust global coverage, or impose high out-of-network deductibles for care outside the U.S. Check your health plan details to see what it provides. Travel medical insurance fills the gap.

You’re Going to a Remote Area

If you won’t be near any quality medical facilities, even a small injury could turn into a major medical event. Medical evacuation coverage will pay to medevac you to an adequate facility.

You Want Emergency Backup

The 24/7 travel assistance lines that are included with travel insurance can assist you with finding a pharmacy, language translation, replacing a lost passport and much more.

You Will Lose a Lot of Money in Non-Refundable Deposits if You Cancel the Trip

You want trip cancellation coverage you’re worried about the money you will lose if you have to cancel the trip.

The average trip cost for Americans traveling within the U.S. increased 46% from 2019 to 2022 and is now slightly over $4,000, based on data from Squaremouth. So having trip cancellation insurance to safeguard your trip investment can be a smart move.

Trip cancellation will cover 100% of the prepaid money you’ll lose, as long as you cancel for a reason listed in the policy. Problems typically covered for trip cancellation insurance claims include sickness, injury, severe weather, natural disasters, jury duty and more.

Here are key considerations for choosing the best travel insurance policy that will match your needs.

Where You’re Going

If you’re traveling outside of the U.S., a plan with travel medical insurance is important because you may have little to no coverage under your U.S. health plan. If you’re taking a domestic trip, you likely don’t need it, or you may want to buy low coverage amounts as a back-up.

If you’re taking an international trip, emergency medical evacuation coverage is important to have, especially if you’re visiting a remote area that doesn’t have top-quality medical facilities.

If you’re traveling to a hurricane-prone destination, travel insurance can also be beneficial if you’re worried about severe weather spoiling your vacation plans.

If you’re concerned about weather woes affecting your travel plans, you’ll want to make sure to buy a travel insurance policy that has trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance for hurricanes and other weather events.

If your trip is interrupted or canceled due to severe weather, you can file a claim and be reimbursed 100% for prepaid, non-refundable deposits.

To be eligible to file a travel insurance claim because of a storm, you must have bought your policy before the storm was named. Also, generally one of the following requirements must be met:

  • Your destination is under a hurricane warning.
  • Your destination is uninhabitable due to severe weather.
  • Your (common carrier) airline is delayed for a specified amount of time listed in your policy—for example, six hours.

How You’re Getting There

Travel plans can be derailed by weather, airplane mechanical issues or any number of other unexpected circumstances. If you’re worried about paying extra money for costs due to a delay, you may want to look for a plan that has a generous amount of travel delay insurance.

What You’re Doing

If you have lots of pre-paid, non-refundable deposits for activities, lodging and tours, it is especially important to have trip cancellation coverage. This holds true for trip interruption insurance as well.

Travelers who plan to participate in extreme sports or adventure excursions should consider buying a plan that covers these activities, as they’re often excluded.

How Much Flexibility You Want

If you want the freedom to cancel a trip no matter what, opt for a “cancel for any reason” upgrade. You generally have to buy it within the first few weeks of making your first deposit. Similarly, you can also buy an “ interruption for any reason ” upgrade that allows you to cut a trip short and return home for any reason.

These upgrades are especially good for the traveler who has put down substantial prepaid, non-refundable deposits.

Concerns About Covid and Variants

If Covid is a travel concern for you, look for a travel insurance plan that covers Covid-related cancellations and medical costs. The best Covid travel insurance plans will also include “cancel for any reason” coverage.

If you test positive for the virus during your trip, travel delay insurance can cover extra costs for accommodations during a quarantine. This coverage can also compensate you for expenses up to a week past your original return date if you’re forced to stay beyond your return date due to a quarantine.

If you miss portions of your trip because you’re forced to quarantine after a positive Covid test, trip interruption insurance can allow you to recoup non-refundable expenses that you paid for in advance.

In order to make a claim you’ll need documentation that you tested positive for Covid.

Americans are ready to take trips abroad in March: 88% of travel insurance purchases for trips taking place from February 1 to 29, 2024, are for international trips, based on Forbes Advisor’s analysis of policy sales.

Mexico is the top international destination for trips this month, followed by Costa Rica and the Bahamas. In addition:

  • The average trip cost being insured for people traveling outside the U.S. in February is $7,359.
  • The average trip cost being insured for folks traveling within the U.S. this month is $3,545.
  • Americans traveling internationally are paying an average of $343 for their travel insurance policies for February trips and domestic travelers are paying an average of $201.

List of March 2024 Top Travel Destinations

Source: Based on travel insurance policies purchased January 27, 2023 to January 27, 2024 for trips taking place February 1-29, 2024.

Average Trip Cost for Popular Destinations

Spending on trips in March to five frequently visited countries is up significantly compared to February, based on our analysis. Italy and Mexico trip costs in March are the highest they’ve been in the past 14 months.

Here’s how much more travelers are spending on trips in March compared to February for the following destinations, on average.  Numbers reflect the average of non-refundable trip costs being insured.

  • Italy. $6,690 more
  • France. $3,970 more
  • Great Britain. $665 more
  • Japan. $2,885 more
  • Mexico. $5,040 more

Increasing trip costs and flight delays top the list of concerns for many vacationers, and these worries are likely to continue plaguing travelers in 2024.

More than half of the respondents in a recent survey cited rising trips costs and fear of flight cancellations or delays as their top reasons to purchase travel insurance more frequently in 2024, says Carol Mueller, spokesperson for Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection .

These concerns are valid. Nearly a quarter (23%) of all flights last year arrived at their destination later than expected, according to the Department of Transportation. And travelers have more to lose when things go wrong: The average spending on 2024 trips is 110% higher than the average cost for 2023 trips, based on Forbes Advisor’s analysis of travel insurance policy sales. These trip costs are based on the non-refundable deposit amounts being insured under travel insurance policies.

Inflation, high jet fuel prices and more expensive airline tickets are contributing to the uptick in travel costs.

Despite spiking trip expenses and snafus at the airport, the majority of Americans who are buying travel insurance are eager to travel internationally in 2024: 89% of travel insurance purchases for trips taking place January 1 to December 31, 2024, are for international trips, according to Forbes Advisor data.

Forbes Advisor researched and analyzed 39 policies to find the best travel insurance. When companies had more than one travel insurance policy we used the highest-scoring plan. Ratings are based on the following metrics.

Cost (25% of score): We analyzed the average cost for each travel insurance policy for trips to popular destinations:

  • Couple, age 30 for a Mexico trip costing $3,000.
  • Couple, age 40, for an Italy trip costing $6,000.
  • Family of four for an Italy trip costing $15,000.
  • Family of four for a France trip costing $15,000.
  • Family of four for a U.K. trip costing $15,000.
  • Couple, age 65, for an Italy trip costing $6,000.
  • Couple, age 70, for a Mexico trip costing $3,000.

Missed connection coverage (10% of score): Travel insurance policies were awarded more points if they include missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more.

Medical expenses (10% of score): Travel insurance policies with travel medical expense benefits of $250,000 and up per person were given the highest points.

Medical evacuation (10% of score): Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 and up per person were given the highest points.

“Cancel for any reason” upgrade (10%): Travel insurance policies received points if “cancel for any reason” upgrades are offered. More points were awarded for “cancel for any reason” upgrades with reimbursement levels of 75%.

Baggage delay required waiting time (5%): Policies with baggage delay benefits kicking in at 12 hours or less were given points.

Cancel for work reasons: (5%): Travel insurance plans that allow cancellations for work reasons were awarded points.

Hurricane and weather (5%): Policies received points if the required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage was 12 hours or less.

“Interruption for any reason” upgrade (5%): Policies were awarded points if they offered an “interruption for any reason” upgrade.

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver (5%): Points were given to policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions (if purchased within a required timeframe after the first trip deposit).

Travel delay required waiting time (5%): Policies with travel delay benefits kicking in after six hours or less were given points.

Trip interruption travel insurance (5%): Points were given if trip interruption reimbursement is 150% or higher.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of policy that reimburses you for money you lose from non-refundable deposits and payments when something goes wrong on your trip. These problems can range from lost baggage to flight delays to medical problems.

The more you’re spending on your trip, the more you likely need travel insurance. This is especially true for international trips and cruises, where travel problems become more expensive to solve.

What type of travel insurance do I need for my parents visiting me in the U.S.?

Travel insurance for parents visiting the U.S. is generally a travel medical insurance policy that helps pay medical costs if they get sick or injured during their visit. There are two main types of visitors medical insurance :

  • Limited policies that have fixed benefits: These generally set a cap for what they’ll pay for each medical treatment that’s covered. You may need to pay a deductible for each medical illness or injury and then the policy will pay 100% after that, up to the cap. For example, coverage for an X-ray might be capped at $250.
  • Comprehensive visitors insurance policies: These typically cost more but have more robust coverage and don’t put a cap on specific medical expenses.

Do I need travel insurance for a cruise?

Travelers on cruises can potentially lose substantial money, just as much as a traveler on land. Cruise insurance can cover problems such as bad weather that causes a trip delay, or an illness that prevents you from traveling.

What do I need for travel insurance?

The information you need to buy travel insurance includes an estimate of your prepaid, non-refundable trip cost, your age, your destination, length of trip and age. Buying travel insurance online is relatively easy. You don’t have to answer a lot of questions, and you can update your trip cost and itinerary later if plans change, as long as you do so before your departure.

Is there travel insurance for multiple trips?

While standard travel insurance plans are meant to cover one-time trips, frequent travelers should consider an annual travel insurance plan. These plans cover the same issues as a single-trip plan, such as trip cancellation and emergency medical situations. But they also offer the convenience of a one-time purchase for multiple trips.

Next Up In Travel Insurance

  • Best “Cancel For Any Reason” Travel Insurance Of March 2024
  • Best Cruise Insurance Plans Of March 2024
  • Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Plans Of 2024
  • Best Senior Travel Insurance Of 2024
  • The 5 Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies Of March 2024

Get Forbes Advisor’s ratings of the best insurance companies and helpful information on how to find the best travel, auto, home, health, life, pet, and small business coverage for your needs.

Michelle Megna

Michelle is a lead editor at Forbes Advisor. She has been a journalist for over 35 years, writing about insurance for consumers for the last decade. Prior to covering insurance, Michelle was a lifestyle reporter at the New York Daily News, a magazine editor covering consumer technology, a foreign correspondent for Time and various newswires and local newspaper reporter.

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What type of coverage do you need?

  • Vacation / Holiday
  • Visitor / Immigrant
  • Student / Scholar
  • Employer / Business Traveler
  • Expat / Global Citizen
  • Mission / Social Good
  • Marine Captain / Crew
  • Flights / Airfare
  • Cruises / Excursions

Travel Medical Insurance

Temporary coverage for accidents, sicknesses, & emergency evacuations when visiting or traveling outside of your home country.

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International health insurance.

Annually renewable international private medical insurance coverage for expats and global citizens living or working internationally.

Travel Insurance

Coverage designed to protect you from financial losses should your trip be delayed, interrupted, or cancelled.

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Meet your duty of care obligations with confidence, knowing your travelers are safe, healthy, and connected wherever they may be in the world.

What type of organization do you represent?

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Rest assured knowing you have an experienced team who is committed to reducing your costs, moving your files forward, and serving as an international resource for all your work injury claims.

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Keep your travelers safe, no matter where they are, with real-time alerts and intelligence on safety, health, political, and other global risks.

Insurance Administrative Services

You’ll have experts to guide you through all things related to your health care plan needs, from enrollment to claim reimbursement.

Protect Your Trip Investment with iTravelInsured Travel Insurance Plans

What is travel insurance.

Travel insurance is a great way to protect your financial investment for your trip. Travel benefits can provide coverage for prepaid, non-refundable trip costs and some plans also offer limited medical benefits.

Travel Insurance may provide coverages such as:

  • Trip cancellation
  • Trip interruption
  • Baggage and person effects
  • Emergency medical evacuation
  • Accident and sickness medical expenses

Do I need travel insurance?

There are many reasons why you should consider travel insurance. While trip cancellation coverage is not mandatory, some countries require proof that a traveler has travel medical coverage before allowing entry. For more information on finding the right plan for you, check out "How to Choose the Best Travel Protection Plan for You" .

Factors to consider:

  • Could you afford to lose your non-refundable, pre-paid travel expenses in the case of your trip being cancelled due to an unforeseen event (ex: death of a family member)?
  • Are you traveling to a destination that may be affected by severe weather?
  • If you were to get sick or injured on the trip, would you be unable to pay out of pocket for the necessary healthcare?
  • If your flight is delayed, would you seek reimbursement for the inconvenience and additional charges such as change fees?
  • If your luggage is lost or stolen, could you afford to replace the missing baggage or personal effects?

Our recommended plans:

The iTravelInsured Travel SE and iTravelInsured Travel LX plans are our most popular and recommended plans for domestic and international destinations. Travel protection is available whether traveling on a cruise, tour, or vacation abroad. These plans also includes coverage for additional kennel fees caused by a travel delay.

In addition providing the highest level of benefits, what also sets the iTravelInsured Travel LX plan apart is the optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage it also provides.

iTravelInsured Travel SE

Trip Protection

Medical coverage, itravelinsured travel se.

  • Trip interruption benefit up to 150% of trip cost
  • $250,000 medical expense coverage for unexpected illnesses & accidents while traveling
  • COVID-19 treated the same as any other illness
  • $500,000 coverage for emergency medical evacuation
  • Trip delay coverage up to $2,000 after delay of 12 hours
  • Travel Protection Plan consists of travel insurance and other non-insurance travel assistance service
  • Trip cancellation benefit up to 100% of trip cost

iTravelInsured Travel LX

iTravelInsured Travel LX

  • Optional Cancel for Any Reason benefit
  • Trip cancellation benefit up to 100% and interruption up to 150% of trip cost
  • $500,000 medical expense coverage for unexpected illnesses & accidents while traveling
  • $1,000,000 coverage for emergency medical evacuation
  • Trip delay coverage up to $2,500 after delay of 6 hours
  • Travel Protection Plan consists of travel insurance and other non-insurance travel assistance services
  • Cancel/Interruption for Any Reason benefit available as optional upgrade

We've got you covered

Rest assured knowing IMG is there with you, wherever your travels take you, providing worldwide coverage, international claims specialists, and access to 24-hour emergency assistance services with multilingual capabilities.

We specialize in many common travel protection areas so you can travel with global peace of mind:

  • Trip Cancellation - One of the most common reasons for purchasing travel insurance is to protect your financial investment in the event you have to cancel your trip. Having travel insurance with a trip cancellation benefit can help you to avoid losing the money you’ve invested in a trip you can no longer take.
  • Travel Insurance for Flights - Whether the airline loses your bags, your flight gets delayed or cancelled, or a host of other unexpected issues, having travel insurance can provide financial protection when something goes wrong and makes your trip more expensive.
  • Travel Insurance For a Cruise - Unlike other vacations, it’s likely for cruise-goers to have paid for most of their vacation before ever stepping foot on the ship. With travel insurance, you can insure your prepaid, non-refundable cruise, flight, and other trip costs so that you’re covered in case the unexpected happens before or during your travels.
  • Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Insurance - Cancel For Any Reason coverage is a travel insurance benefit that allows you to get partially reimbursed for cancelling a trip for a reason not otherwise covered under your plan. You can quite literally cancel a trip for any reason, and still get some of your money back.
  • COVID-19 Coverage - Travel insurance has always been there to protect you and your trip expenses from the unexpected, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 truly shed a light on how quickly travel plans can change and how important it is to have the proper coverage in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out answers to some of our commonly asked questions.

Do you know if any type of travel insurance coverage is included with your credit card? How about your health care policy? Maybe your homeowner’s plan? Medicare?

Travel insurance is designed to provide coverage where none exists, or at least fill in major gaps that exist in other types of insurance programs. Coverage gaps are caused by a complete absence of coverage, deductibles, exclusions, coinsurance or co-payment penalties. Review your personal credit card, health, homeowner’s and other insurance programs that you already own to make an informed decision about the purchase of travel insurance.

Check your other insurance carefully to understand what benefits are offered with your credit card and how those benefits are activated. Airlines, cruise lines, hotels, tour operators have cancellation penalties. A discussion with your travel agent will help you become aware of your financial exposure should the unexpected happen.

Protect your financial investment with an iTravelInsured plan.

The perils protected against are listed in your plan document. These perils are similar to the trip cancellation perils except they provide coverage once you depart for your covered trip. The insured is reimbursed for unused non-refundable travel arrangements plus additional transportation costs.

Coverage begins at 12:01 a.m. on the day after the date the appropriate payment for this plan is received. This is your “Effective Date” and begins the trip cancellation benefits. Most other coverages begin when you depart on the first travel arrangement for your trip.

To be eligible for trip cancellation reimbursement, you must cancel your trip due to one of the reasons covered in your plan. You may add Cancel for Any Reason coverage to our LX plan. This allows you to cancel for any reason not otherwise covered by your plan and receive a partial refund. Additional terms apply.**

It is best to check all of your existing insurance policies before traveling abroad so that you're aware of how you're covered and where you have gaps in your existing coverage.

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We are World Travel Protection

Protecting travellers – and supporting those responsible for their safety – is our business.

Our experienced World Travel Protection team is dedicated to providing expert medical , travel and security assistance for travellers and expatriates before, during and after they travel.

By helping travellers prevent and mitigate risks – and get the help they need whenever and wherever they need it – our travellers and their risk managers feel empowered, supported, and safe.

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Why Choose World Travel Protection?

We have a long-standing history of helping travellers and their risk managers.

At World Travel Protection, protecting people is our priority. We have taken care of corporate and leisure travellers for over 30 years, helping them prevent and mitigate risks before they escalate and providing them with immediate access to the right experts when an emergency occurs.

Our decades of experience in global travel risk management is the reason we are trusted by travellers and organisations across the globe, who allow us to help prepare them for potential travel threats and assist them when they need it most.

We provide travellers with worldwide 24-hour emergency medical and security assistance

If travellers need emergency help, our medical and security experts are only a phone call away. We have a team of over 200 full-time registered nurses, registered paramedics, doctors, intensive care workers and security professionals who are experts in emergency assistance . This means our travellers get the help they need, fast.

Our experts are based in dedicated Command Centres in Australia, Canada, the UK, and in Argentina via our sister company Universal Assistance , where they provide travellers with access to immediate advice and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

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We are experts in travel risk management – not only emergency assistance

Travel assistance isn’t only about helping travellers once disaster strikes – it’s also about empowering them to mitigate risks before they occur. We stay ahead of potential risks affecting our travellers by conducting important medical or security risk analysis and reporting on a daily basis.

Because our world is in a constant state of change, it’s important we support our travellers and their risk managers in mitigating emerging medical and security risks, such as pandemics, civil or political unrest, severe weather events, terrorist acts, major transport accidents, or industrial action.

Our World Travel Protection risk experts also help prepare travellers pre-trip with our travel risk training , procedures and policies. This not only em- powers the traveller, but keeps them safe and aware of potential risks while they’re away from home.

We provide true worldwide support

We have been part of Cover-More Group – a global travel insurance and traveller assistance company – for over 30 years. During this time, we have helped Cover-More Group provide more than 15 million leisure and business travellers with access to world-class emergency medical assistance and health support each year.

In 2017, we became part of the Zurich Insurance Group – one of the world’s leading multi-line insurers. This global partnership further helps our travellers by providing them with access to 24/7 centres around the world, as well as a network of correspondents and accredited providers to help support them when they need it most.

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We provide travellers with access to our world-class technology platforms

Our World Travel Protection team is at the forefront of utilising technology to enhance travel risk management and innovations for our clients. We help support our travellers via our:

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Let Us Help Keep You Safe While You Travel

If you’d like our help with mitigating travel risks and emergency travel assistance, fill out the form below today. Our friendly team will reach out and take you through our quality travel assistance services and leading Travel Risk Management Solutions .

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12 Best Travel Insurance Companies of March 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

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Travelex Insurance Services »

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Allianz Travel Insurance »

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HTH Travel Insurance »

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Tin Leg »

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AIG Travel Guard »

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Nationwide Insurance »

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Seven Corners »

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Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

  • Rating Details
  • Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation if plans go awry. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

  • Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
  • Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
  • HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
  • Tin Leg: Best Cost
  • AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
  • Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
  • Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
  • Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
  • Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Best Travel Insurance Companies in Detail

Travelex ».

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

  • 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
  • Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
  • $750 in missed connection coverage
  • $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
  • Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

  • Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
  • $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
  • Up to $1,600 for travel delays
  • Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
  • Epidemic coverage

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

  • 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost 
  • Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
  • Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
  • Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

World Nomads »

global travel protection

Adventure sports are covered at no additional cost

Explorer plan only promises up to $10,000 in trip protection

  • $10,000 in trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage
  • $3,000 in protection for lost, damaged or stolen baggage, tech equipment and various travel gear
  • Up to $3,000 in trip delay costs
  • $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

AXA Assistance USA »

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All plans include missed connection coverage

Premiums are on the higher end compared to other providers

  • Trip cancellation protection for 100% of the trip cost; 150% for trip interruption
  • Up to $3,000 for baggage that's been lost, damaged or stolen; $600 in bag delay coverage
  • Trip delay coverage worth $1,250
  • $250,000 in emergency medical coverage

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

  • Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
  • Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
  • Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

  • 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
  • $2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
  • $1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
  • $250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

  • Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
  • $500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
  • Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
  • Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

  • 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
  • Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
  • Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
  • $500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Trawick International »

global travel protection

Generous coverage among the plans for trip cancellation and interruption

Determining the right plan may be overwhelming, with 15-plus options to choose from

  • 100% for trip cancellation (up to $100,000); 150% for trip interruption (up to $150,000)
  • Up to $2,500 for lost, damaged or stolen bags; up to $600 for luggage delays
  • Up to $3,000 for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
  • Up to $250,000 for emergency medical expenses

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

  • 100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
  • $500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
  • Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
  • $100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

  • Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
  • $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
  • Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
  • $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong spring 2024 trip to Italy for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. (add text and link to checked luggage). This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express . 

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

  • TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
  • InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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World Travel Protection protects travelers and supports those responsible for their safety.

1-hour consultation with security and crisis management experts..

World Travel Protection’s priority is protecting people. They have taken care of scholastic, corporate and leisure travelers for over 30 years, helping them prevent and mitigate risks and providing them with immediate access to the right experts when an emergency occurs.

Their decades of experience in global travel risk management is the reason they are trusted by travelers and organizations across the globe, who allow them to help prepare for potential travel threats and assist when they need it most. World Travel Protection is at the forefront of utilizing technology to enhance travel risk management and innovations for their clients.

World Travel Protection specializes in global travel risk management services, which help support travelers on the ground and the risk managers responsible for their safety and wellbeing.

World travel protection global security assistance services are proactive and insights-driven, aimed at preventing threats before they become an issue., the travel assist management portal enables an organization’s risk manager to monitor global risks, locate their travelers and identify where and if threats may occur., about world travel protection.

Looking for an assistance company you can trust? The World Travel Protection team is dedicated to providing expert medical, travel and security assistance for travelers and expatriates before, during and after they travel.

Travel assistance isn’t only about helping travelers once disaster strikes – it’s also about empowering them to mitigate risks before they occur. World Travel Protections stays ahead of potential risks affecting their travelers by conducting important medical or security risk analysis and reporting on a daily basis.

Because our world is in a constant state of change, it’s important to support travelers and their risk managers in mitigating emerging medical and security risks, such as pandemics, civil or political unrest, severe weather events, terrorist acts, major transport accidents, or industrial action.

World Travel Protection risk experts also help prepare travelers pre-trip with their travel risk training, procedures, and policies. This not only empowers the traveler, but keeps them safe and aware of potential risks while they’re away from home.

World Travel Protection helps support their travelers via their: ● Global Care Network ● Travel Assist App ● Travel Assist Portal

Through their world-class technology and intelligence tools , World Travel Protection empowers their travelers and their risk managers to make smarter, safer choices before, during and post-travel. In addition, the Travel Assist Management Portal provides the mechanisms for risk managers and the World Travel Protection 24/7 Command Centre to manage a more coordinated response to incidents.

World Travel Protection has been part of Cover-More Group – a global travel insurance and traveler assistance company – for over 30 years. During this time, they have helped Cover-More Group provide more than 15 million leisure and business travelers with access to world-class emergency medical assistance and health support each year.

In 2017, they became part of the Zurich Insurance Group – one of the world’s leading multi-line insurers. This global partnership further helps their travelers by providing them with access to 24/7 centers in Australia, Argentina, China, Canada, and Malaysia, as well as a network of correspondents and accredited providers to help support them when they need it most.

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Episode 29: Cultural Lens on U.S. Higher Education: Analyzing International Perceptions of 'Anti-Woke’ Discourse

Dive into a nuanced exploration of the global discourse surrounding higher education in the United States. Join us for a panel discussion with esteemed international educators as we embark on a journey through the lenses of culture and international perspective, examining how global audiences interpret and engage with the ‘anti-woke’ discourse within the context of U.S. higher education. This engaging panel discussion will delve into the intersections of culture, ideology, and education, and the complex landscape of how international audiences perceive the ‘anti-woke’ narrative that has emerged within U.S. academia.

Whether you’re a senior international officer, or simply curious about the diverse viewpoints shaping U.S. higher education, this podcast episode will provide an invaluable space for critical analysis and insightful conversations.

Speaker Biography:

Fanta Aw is a distinguished leader in international education, renowned for her extensive contributions to global learning, cross-cultural understanding, and educational equity. With a deep commitment to fostering connections between diverse cultures and promoting educational excellence, she has significantly impacted the international education community.

Fanta Aw’s career has been characterized by her dedication to advancing global education initiatives, promoting diversity and inclusion, and nurturing partnerships that transcend borders. She has held influential roles in various organizations, advocating for the importance of international collaboration and learning experiences that empower individuals to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

As a thought leader and visionary, Fanta Aw’s insights and expertise have shaped discussions on the future of international education, emphasizing the significance of equitable access, cultural exchange, and lifelong learning. Her work has not only elevated institutions but has also inspired countless individuals to embrace the transformative power of global education.

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Stephen Appiah-Padi is an international educator with several years of teaching and administrative experience in both 4 and 2-year HEIs. An experienced global education practitioner-scholar, with a demonstrated history of success in the field.

Dr. Appiah-Padi has a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada in Educational Policy & Administration with a specialization in International/Intercultural Education.

At Northwestern College, he provided oversight in the administration of education abroad and international student services. In Lansing, Michigan, he first oversaw diversity and intercultural education at Lansing Community College, and later created the Center for International and Intercultural Education (CIIE) which merged intercultural engagement and international education programs of the institution, and he became its first director. Additionally, Dr. Appiah-Padi taught a course, “Diversity in the American Workplace”, to undergraduate management students of the College. In his current position, he provides leadership and vision in advancing strategic internationalization initiatives, including international partnerships and study abroad programs at Bucknell University.

Dr Appiah-Padi has created and facilitated several workshops for faculty and staff development in higher education and in business organizations. He has presented at several national and international conferences. In NAFSA, among several volunteer leadership positions, he has served as Dean of the Fundamentals of Intercultural Communication Workshop, the Leadership Development Committee member, Chair of the Africa Special Interest Group, and a Fellow of the Global Fellowship Program for mentoring emerging leaders of internationalization in African HEIs. He currently serves as a member of the NAFSA Board of Directors.

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Dr. Rosa Almoguera has worked as an international educator for over twenty years. She was trained as a Hispanic Philologist at the Universidad Complutense, in Madrid, and did her M.A. at the University of Pennsylvania. Her Ph.D., from Universidad Complutense included a field study and edition of written balladry “Romancero”. During many years Rosa combined teaching and her role as a senior administrator at the Fundación Ortega-Marañón in Toledo, Spain. At the Foundation, Rosa directed and, in many cases created, programs for the University of Minnesota, Notre Dame, Princeton, Ohio State, Arcadia, and the University of Chicago. She has also been a visiting professor at the University of Minnesota, University of Portland, and Interamericana de Puerto Rico.

Beginning in 2016, Rosa works as an international education consultant for both public and private European and US higher education institutions. Rosa has been successful in developing new partnerships and programs, as well as helping improve already existing ones.

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Is Travel Insurance Worth It? Evaluating the Value and Benefits

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

  • Travel insurance covers risks like trip cancellations, health emergencies, and lost luggage.
  • Travel insurance costs can range from 4% to 12% of your total trip cost.
  • Travel insurance is best for trips that are long, expensive, nonrefundable, and international.

Vacations can be very expensive. If you're paying a lot for yours, you might wonder if you should purchase travel insurance, especially when some costs are nonrefundable.

The answer isn't always cut-and-dried. Travel insurance isn't necessary for everyone. Whether you need it will depend on a variety of factors. Here are some key points to consider when deciding if travel insurance suits you.

Introduction to travel insurance

When planning a trip, it's essential to think about how you'll protect yourself from the unexpected. That's where travel insurance comes in. It can cover various risks like loss of personal belongings, checked baggage, and more. With the appropriate coverage, you can nullify or mitigate the potential losses. "Plain and simple, travel insurance is a layer of protection against financial loss," says Brad Cummins, owner and principal agent for Insurance Geek , an insurance comparison platform. "Whether it be lost luggage or a lost passport, travel insurance will cover the extra costs during these unfortunate events."

Benefits of travel insurance

Protection against unforeseen cancellation.

One of the top reasons to acquire travel insurance is to cover potential losses from trip cancellations. When canceling a trip due to a covered cause, travel insurance will reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses. 

Some covered causes for travel cancellations include:

  • Sickness, injury, or death of traveler or family member of traveler
  • Inclement weather
  • Unexpected work or layoffs
  • Terrorist incidents in a travel location

Some travel insurance covers trip cancellations regardless of the reason. However, you make certain trade-offs when you enroll in a  "Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) insurance policy . These policies are more expensive and may only refund a percentage of your trip's cost. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance  here.

Financial security and peace of mind

While your travel insurance covers any unforeseen issues before your trip, it continues to cover you even after your flight has taken off.

For example, you don't have to be as anxious at baggage claim when your fellow passengers have claimed their luggage and yours hasn't come out yet. Travel insurance offers lost luggage protection and can cover any necessary purchases while you wait for your late luggage to arrive, such as toiletries and a change of clothes.

Medical coverage on travel insurance  can also offer peace of mind as most US health insurers don't provide coverage when you're abroad. A comprehensive travel insurance plan will cover you in an unexpected accident or emergency so you can seek medical attention for an injury sustained while traveling without worrying about mounting medical bills.

Evaluating the cost of travel insurance

The average cost of travel insurance is 5%-6% of your total trip cost. However, the exact cost will vary based on factors such as your age, travel destination, and where you live, and can be as little as 4% of your trip cost or as high as 12% of your trip cost.

If you're wondering whether travel insurance is worth it, you're not alone. There are a few things to consider. If an emergency arises on your trip, travel insurance can reimburse part or all of your vacation expenditure. However, this will depend on factors such as your trip type and whether it's refundable.

Cost vs. potential savings

In general, travel insurance is worth it if you're concerned about losing money if your trip is called off or delayed or if you're worried about medical bills while traveling. However, conducting thorough research and understanding the costs and coverage provided is critical before purchasing a policy.

For example, older travelers or those with pre-existing medical conditions may pay more for their insurance. Similarly, those traveling to high-risk destinations or participating in high-risk activities may also face higher premiums. 

Ultimately, it's important to shop around and compare quotes from different travel insurance companies to find the best coverage and rate for your needs. You can find our picks for the best travel insurance companies here. 

Cost-benefit analysis for different trip types

Travel insurance may be a wise investment if you've already paid for your and can't change or cancel your trip without penalty. Suppose your trip is canceled or disrupted due to a covered cause. In that case, travel insurance will cover the trip's cost and any other nonrefundable expenditures up to a pre-determined amount.

If you're heading to a country where your health coverage doesn't apply, or if you don't have any health insurance at all, travel insurance might provide the protection you need. Travel insurance can also assist you in case of medical emergencies. It's vital to understand that not all travel insurance policies are created equal. Be sure to carefully study the details and understand what is and isn't covered before purchasing one.

Scenarios where travel insurance is essential

Expensive vacations and long-term travel.

It's a good idea to insure trips with a high, nonrefundable price tag because you'll never forgive yourself if your expensive, once-in-a-lifetime trip gets canceled and your money and planning go down the drain. For these vacations, you'll want to find a policy that covers 100% of expenses.

Similarly, if you have long-term travel plans, you'll want to have a policy that protects against travel interruption in case something cuts your plans short. You'll also want medical coverage during extended stay outside the country.

High-risk destinations and activities

High-risk destinations include regions facing political instability, war zones, and areas prone to natural disasters. Travelers headed to these areas should look into travel insurance in case their trip is canceled due to an unforeseen event. 

Additionally, certain areas are known for the thrilling activities they offer, like skydiving and bungee jumping. If you have extreme sports on your itinerary or believe you might build up the courage to plunge down a canyon, you may want to invest in a travel insurance policy. Keep in mind that some travel insurance policies don't cover high-risk activities, so shop carefully.

When travel insurance may not be necessary

Low-risk, short, or domestic trips.

There are also some situations in which you might not need travel insurance. If you are traveling within the US, you do not need travel insurance for health reasons since most health insurance plans will cover you even if you're not in your home state. 

Additionally, travel insurance may not be necessary if you're only traveling over the weekend or exclusively booked refundable experiences.

Making an informed decision

There are a few key considerations when buying a travel insurance policy. The cost of the policy is one factor, but it's also important to look at the coverage limits and what is included and excluded in the policy. Be sure to read the fine print carefully and compare policies between different companies. 

It's also important to consider the purpose of your travel insurance policy. If you're going on a trip where you'll be doing adventurous activities, ensure your policy covers those activities. Finally, remember that travel insurance is there to protect you in case something goes wrong on your trip, so don't hesitate to use it if you need to.

If you decide that you need travel insurance, here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a policy:

  • Read the fine print of any policy you are considering to understand what is and is not covered. This is especially important for those who want to add special coverage options. 
  • Compare policies from different providers to find the best coverage at the best price.
  • Purchase your policy well in advance of your trip so that you are covered in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
  • Ensure you're covered for pre-existing conditions because a number of policies will exclude pre-existing conditions if you don't pay extra for a waiver or additional coverage. 

Buying travel insurance can be a pretty quick and painless process, thanks to insurance aggregator sites like SquareMouth .

Using SquareMouth is one of the easiest ways to see multiple coverage options simultaneously. Once you've entered some personal details and information regarding your trip, you'll see a variety of insurance providers and plans from which to choose.

Assessing personal and trip risks

The first consideration you should factor into travel insurance is how much of your trip is already paid for. If you've prepaid for most or all of your travel expenses, you may want to purchase travel insurance if you have to cancel.

Another thing to consider is where you will be traveling. If you are visiting multiple countries, getting insurance that covers you in all of them might be a good idea.

Your age and overall health can also determine whether you need travel insurance. Suppose you are older or have pre-existing medical conditions, for example. In that case, it might be a good idea to purchase travel insurance if you need to cancel your trip or incur unexpected medical expenses.

Lastly, the value of your luggage can also be a factor to consider. If you plan to bring expensive items with you on your trip, it might be worth purchasing travel insurance to cover lost or stolen luggage.

Reviewing policy options and exclusions

When it comes to travel insurance, the ease of use will depend on the provider you choose. If you're working with a reputable insurer, then the process should be relatively straightforward. However, it's still important to understand what is and isn't included in your policy before you purchase it. This way, you can be sure that you're getting the coverage you need and that you won't be caught off guard by any fine print.

Travel insurance isn't necessary for everyone or every trip. But it can bring a lot of peace of mind during your travels and can certainly translate into significant savings if you're faced with a medical emergency while on your trip. It's best to do your research, compare plans, and understand your own level of risk when it comes to deciding whether or not to purchase coverage.

Travel insurance frequently asked questions

Travel insurance is highly recommended for trips that are long and expensive. For example, you should buy travel insurance for any international trips, cruises, adventure travels, and trips with significant pre-paid expenses.

To say that travel insurance will save you money in the long run isn't entirely accurate. Travel insurance will save you money when things go wrong, but it won't save you any money if your trip goes smoothly.

Short domestic trips don't necessitate travel insurance. Most health insurance policies cover you from state to state, so unless you're worried about unexpected cancellations, travel insurance isn't a must-have.

Travel insurance policies commonly exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, extreme sports injuries, and travel to high-risk countries.

Cost-benefit considerations should include the total cost of your trip, the refundability of your expenses, your destination's healthcare costs, and your personal health and travel risks.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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June 1, 2020

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Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

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Last-minute cancellations. Travel delays. Rental car accidents. When the unexpected happens, you can rely on Allianz Travel Insurance to help make things right.

Whether you're planning a road trip, camping getaway or vacation rental, a OneTrip plan can help you journey there  — and back  — with confidence.

Get affordable protection for all your trips — family vacations and weekend getaways alike — for a full 365 days.

Enjoy peace of mind on your next road trip. Get robust rental car coverage for a fraction of what you'll typically pay at the rental counter.

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Why Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Because your trip is too important to leave to chance. For a small fraction of your trip costs, you can count on travel insurance to save the day when things go awry.

  • If you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, travel insurance can reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs. Without insurance, you could lose the money you paid for your vacation rental, car rental, hotel, flights and more.
  • If you experience a covered medical emergency , travel insurance can help ensure you get high-quality care and reimburse you for covered medical costs. Without insurance, you may have to pay out of pocket.
  • If your rental car gets damaged, lost or stolen , travel insurance can pay for the loss. Without insurance, you could get hit with a huge bill.
  • If you face an unexpected crisis, travel insurance connects you to 24-Hour Hotline Assistance for expert help and advice. Without insurance, you’re on your own.
  • If your travel plans are affected by COVID-19,  many of our travel protection plans now include the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, which adds covered reasons to select benefits for certain losses related to COVID-19 and any future epidemic. Benefits vary by plan and by state of residence, and are not available in all jurisdictions. Learn more in our COVID-19 FAQ .

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WHICH PLAN IS RIGHT FOR ME?

OneTrip Travel Insurance Plans

OneTrip Travel Insurance Plans

If you're the type who plans one big getaway a year, a OneTrip plan can offer benefits to help you breathe easier -- like trip cancellation, luggage protection, emergency medical benefits, and more. And all plans come with 24-Hour Assistance in case you need expert travel help along the way.

Annual Travel Insurance Plans

Annual Travel Insurance Plans

Frequent traveler? An AllTrips annual travel insurance plan may be a great fit. You can get the protection you need for all the trips you take in a full year -- domestic or international, leisure or business -- all under one convenient plan.

Rental Car Insurance Plans

Rental Car Insurance Plans

If you're hitting the road in a rental car, OneTrip Rental Car Protector can provide primary protection for covered collision, loss, and damage, along with 24- hour emergency assistance. It's an affordable alternative to using your personal insurance, or overpriced options at the rental counter.

Why go with Allianz Travel Insurance?

As a world leader in travel protection, we help more than 70 million people answer the call of adventure with confidence every year.

We're Protecting You

From protection for trip cancellation to medical bills abroad, our benefits are designed to help you explore reassured.

We're There For You

We've got your back with award-winning 24/7 assistance and a worldwide network of prescreened hospitals to help you get the right care.

We're Built For You

From our TravelSmart app to proactive SmartBenefits, we innovate for the way you travel today - and tomorrow.

What our customers say

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

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Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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What to Know About Trusted Traveler Programs — PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI

Here’s what you need to know about Trusted Traveler Programs, including TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI.

Your time at the airport is precious. You want to ensure you have enough time to enjoy a pre-flight snack or cocktail at an airport lounge, but you also don’t want to get there so early that you’re waiting to board for hours before departure. Luckily, there are programs that can help you more reliably budget the time you need to get through security. 

Trusted Traveler Programs are issued through the Department of Homeland Security, and they allow members to move through security more efficiently. There are four main Trusted Traveler Programs offered to regular travelers: Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, and SENTRI. There’s a lot of overlap in what each program offers, so you will likely only need to apply for one. However, requirements, cost, and time to get approved can vary significantly from program to program. I spoke with Steve Orens , a senior vice president at FROSCH Travel and T+L A-List travel advisor, to compile this guide.

The best tip to anyone wanting to apply for these programs is to be thorough, says Orens. “Be prepared, fill out all requested information,” he explains. “Check back on the [application] page on a regular basis to follow the progress or provide any other information requested.”

Although it can take months or more than a year in some cases, these programs provide significant utility to travelers. Here’s everything you need to know about the Trusted Traveler Programs, and who should apply for each. 

Steve Orens is a senior vice president at FROSCH Travel and a T+L A-List travel advisor specializing in insider access.

TSA PreCheck

The first Trusted Traveler Program, and one of the most popular, is TSA PreCheck , which allows travelers to enjoy expedited security benefits. Travelers enrolled in PreCheck will not need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or jackets when going through TSA airport security. In 99 percent of cases, travelers will get through security in 10 minutes or less. In my experience, it’s typically even faster. 

The enrollment process is quite simple — all you need to do is choose an enrollment provider , submit an application online , and visit an enrollment location for fingerprinting and payment. Once you receive your Known Traveler Number, you can start enjoying your benefits. The cost varies between $78 and $85 for new enrollments and $70 and $78 for PreCheck renewals , depending on your provider. You can even get TSA PreCheck for free thanks to credit cards that will reimburse you for the application fee, making it extremely worthwhile to enroll. 

U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents can apply for TSA PreCheck. Most airports will have dedicated TSA PreCheck security lanes. If not, you will receive a card indicating your membership. You will have to go through the regular security line with the card but will receive the same benefits. 

Global Entry

Global Entry allows travelers re-entering the U.S. from abroad to expedite the customs process. Members can use a dedicated Global Entry lane to proceed to a kiosk, which will capture a photo to confirm membership in the program. Then, proceed to the Customs and Border Patrol officer, and you’re all set. Global Entry includes all of the benefits of TSA PreCheck, so you do not need to apply for these programs separately. 

Global Entry is for pre-approved and low-risk travelers. As part of the application, you must undergo a background check and in-person interview to complete enrollment. Typically, the process requires you to visit an enrollment center for your interview before departure. If you cannot, you can complete your interview when you return to the U.S. through Enrollment on Arrival . 

It was just announced that you can also complete your Global Entry enrollment with Enrollment on Departure , a brand-new offering only available (for now) at Washington Dulles International Airport. The application fee is $100, but like PreCheck, many credit cards will reimburse you for the fee as long as you have not already been reimbursed for TSA PreCheck. 

Global Entry members can also validate their arrival to the U.S. via a Global Entry mobile app at select airports, further improving the process. 

The following people are eligible for Global Entry:

  • U.S. citizens
  • U.S. lawful permanent residents
  • Citizens of Argentina
  • Citizens of Brazil
  • Citizens of Bahrain
  • Citizens of India
  • Citizens of Colombia
  • Citizens of the United Kingdom
  • Citizens of Germany
  • Citizens of the Netherlands
  • Citizens of Panama
  • Citizens of Singapore
  • Citizens of South Korea
  • Citizens of Switzerland
  • Citizens of Taiwan
  • Mexican nationals

There could be additional requirements to meet, depending on your country of citizenship. Canadian citizens and residents can also be eligible for Global Entry benefits through membership in NEXUS. 

NEXUS is similar to Global Entry but specific to Canadian entry ports. You can use NEXUS when traveling by land, air, or sea. Members use expedited processing lanes when entering the U.S. and Canada: dedicated lanes at northern border ports of entry, NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air, Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States via Canadian Preclearance airports, and expedited processing at marine reporting locations. 

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian lawful permanent residents, and Mexican nationals who are members of Viajero Confiable are eligible to apply for NEXUS. The process to get approved takes a lot longer than Global Entry or TSA PreCheck because you have to get approved by both the U.S. and Canada. The average processing time is around 12 to 14 months, and the application fee is $50. The process for applying is similar. All you need to do is submit an application and schedule an interview at an enrollment center. Note you will need to be interviewed by both U.S. and Canadian officials. NEXUS includes TSA PreCheck benefits. 

The fourth and final Trusted Traveler Program is SENTRI , which allows expedited entry into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico. SENTRI works the same way as NEXUS but enables the benefits on both the northern and southern borders of the U.S. Members can use dedicated processing lanes at southern land border crossings, the NEXUS lane when entering the United States from Canada by land, and Global Entry kiosks when entering by air. There aren’t any citizenship requirements for eligibility into SENTRI. However, Mexican nationals who wish to use the Global Entry kiosk when traveling by air will need to apply for Global Entry through their Trusted Traveler account. 

This is the most expensive program, with an application fee of $122.25. The processing timeline is slightly shorter than NEXUS, taking 10 to 12 months to complete. However, the process is the same as the other programs: complete an application, receive conditional approval, and schedule an interview at an enrollment center. You must bring your vehicle registration and proof of automobile insurance in the U.S. to your interview. SENTRI includes TSA PreCheck benefits. 

Which Trusted Traveler Program is right for you?

The best program for you depends on your travel habits, budget, and timeline. If you only travel within the U.S., TSA PreCheck is likely the best option. It includes all the security benefits and has one of the quickest processing times. However, if you take a couple of international trips per year, Global Entry is a fantastic option. I have Global Entry, and it has made my life significantly easier. Not only can I enjoy all of the same PreCheck benefits, but I can pass through customs quickly when entering the U.S., whether for a layover or my final destination. There are so many credit cards that will cover this application fee, too. 

NEXUS and SENTRI are both excellent programs for anyone who frequently travels between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico. Although they typically include the same PreCheck benefits, they won’t include Global Entry benefits when entering the U.S. from elsewhere, so you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons before applying. Enrollment in each program lasts for five years, so once you’ve decided, you can enjoy the benefits for a long time before having to renew. 

You should also think about present and future timelines, explains Orens. “For example, TSA PreCheck comes with Global Entry, but you can also only renew your TSA PreCheck when you renew your Global Entry,” he says. “So, when your Global Entry expires, so does your PreCheck.  If you don’t have time to [renew] Global Entry, then you will not have PreCheck back until you do.”

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Travelers wait in line before passing through a security checkpoint at Denver International Airport.

PreCheck, Global Entry, CLEAR: We explain U.S. expedited travel programs

There are currently five services that grant quicker passage through U.S. airport security. Here are the pros and cons of each.

As spring break and summer vacations approach, travelers looking to navigate crowded United States airports more quickly and easily have several options. Currently, five travel services provide a fast track through immigration or security screenings. Four of those services— PreCheck , Global Entry , SENTRI , and NEXUS —are operated by the U.S. government’s Trusted Traveler Program , which now has almost 18.5 million members. The fifth, called CLEAR Plus , is run by a private company.

PreCheck lets travelers classified as low-risk skip regular Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screenings; Global Entry expedites customs checks on arrival in the U.S; SENTRI streamlines overland border crossings; and NEXUS simplifies passage between the U.S. and Canada. CLEAR Plus, meanwhile, focuses on airport departures, using biometrics for swifter identification of passengers.

Each of these five services is available only to U.S. nationals or lawful U.S. permanent residents, except for Global Entry, which can be used by nationals of 14 other countries.

What’s new with travel expedited programs

A record number of people enrolled in TSA PreCheck last year as U.S. authorities launched new technology to tackle increased waiting times for this airport screening service. Four million members joined this service in 2023, a 19 percent increase from the previous year.

This larger volume of users corresponded with longer wait times. Fresh TSA figures reveal that 88 percent of PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes to clear security in 2023, down from 94 percent in 2022.

PreCheck may lose members if its efficiency continues to wane, warns aviation security expert Sheldon Jacobson . At some U.S. airports, travelers are reporting longer waits at PreCheck lanes than TSA lanes, says Jacobson, a computer science professor at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “Passengers will view PreCheck as not worthwhile, perhaps allowing their status to lapse,” Jacobson predicts, if this system’s waiting times balloon further .

However, he believes this problem may be addressed by the TSA’s new technology. Facial recognition and self-service security screenings are being rolled out in a bid to reduce PreCheck waiting times. TSA PreCheck Touchless Identity Solution lets PreCheck members verify their identity via facial recognition instead of by presenting ID or a boarding pass. It is now operating at six U.S. airports, with more expected to join across 2024.

Meanwhile, the TSA’s new self-service screening has been installed at Las Vegas ’ Harry Reid International Airport . This cutting-edge checkpoint will let passengers enrolled in the Trusted Traveler Program scan their ID and carry-on bags themselves. Feedback from this trial will inform the development and potential expansion of the system.

What to know about the three major fast-track programs

TSA PreCheck lets members join express security lanes at U.S. airports, eliminating the need to remove shoes, belts, laptops, jackets, and liquids of less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml). To become a PreCheck member, travelers must provide personal information and undergo a background check. Within five days, most applicants get approval in the form of a Known Traveler Number, which is used when booking flights to ensure access to PreCheck expedited screenings.

( What are the new rules on carrying liquids through U.K. airport security? )

CLEAR Plus is similar but not identical to PreCheck. It allows members to move more efficiently through airport checkpoints by having their identity verified via biometrics (eye or fingerprint) rather than queuing to present ID to security staff. Travelers can join CLEAR Plus by enrolling in person at a CLEAR desk at a participating airport. This process can be even quicker if they fill in their application online before visiting the airport to complete enrollment.

Global Entry, which costs $100 for five years, provides expedited security clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the U.S. At separate Global Entry lanes, members have their photo taken, which confirms their identity, before they briefly meet a Customs and Border Patrol officer.

Unlike PreCheck or CLEAR Plus, Global Entry can be used by nationals of 14 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Bahrain, India, Colombia, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Mexico. However, Global Entry has a slower, more complex application process than PreCheck or CLEAR Plus, says John Lipford , affiliate professor of tourism at Grand Valley State University.

Global Entry applications can take up to 11 months to process. Applicants must pass a strict background check and an in-person interview, which can take months to secure. They can check their application status by visiting the Trusted Traveler Program website.

But there is a shortcut—the Enrollment on Arrival program lets applicants who are conditionally approved (usually after a few weeks), complete the interview, without an appointment, at the airport when they arrive from an overseas trip.

The program runs at more than 50 U.S. airports, with interviews conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers. You just need a valid passport or permanent resident card and documents proving U.S. residency (driver’s license, utility bill, mortgage statement, or rental payment statement).

Which program is right for you?

Global Entry is designed for people traveling overseas and, as an added benefit, it includes TSA PreCheck membership. Travelers who fly only within the U.S. are better suited to having just PreCheck or CLEAR Plus.

PreCheck’s advantages over CLEAR Plus are wider availability, lower pricing, and greater security bypasses, says Lipford.   PreCheck is offered at more than 200 U.S. airports, compared to less than 60 for CLEAR Plus. It only costs $78 for a five-year membership, which is about 12 times cheaper per year than CLEAR. And, unlike CLEAR Plus members, PreCheck users don’t need to undergo body scans.

Despite costing $189 annually, CLEAR Plus is popular due to convenience, marketing, and fascination with new technologies, says Lipford. Its sales kiosks are prominent in so many U.S. airports that they can easily be spotted by weary travelers queuing for a flight and wishing for speedier progress.

CLEAR Plus is also newer than PreCheck and uses biometrics as standard; it benefits from a perception of being more cutting edge, Lipford says.

( Will new travel technology invade your privacy? )

But Lipfort also expresses concern that travelers are sacrificing their privacy by agreeing to the biometric data collection of some expedited travel services. “[This] could have some pretty dire consequences, collectively and in the long term, should this information ever be misused,” he warns. “Privacy has historically been a valuable right and component of our lives in the U.S., and we are collectively whittling it away through advances in technology and the corresponding pressure to keep up with these advances.”

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  • Local Media Release

CBP announces Global Entry enrollment events for conditionally approved applicants in Tampa and Ft. Myers

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced today a ten-day Global Entry enrollment event in Tampa and Ft. Myers, starting March 18, for applicants who have been conditionally approved to complete the interview portion for this trusted traveler program.

“The addition of appointments and location enrollment opportunities reflects CBP Area Port of Tampa’s commitment to improving the customer experience as Global Entry continues to attract thousands of new applicants in the West Coast of Florida area and nearby communities,” said Radames A. Torres, Tampa Area Port Director. “We are also happy to be able to provide these added opportunities, which in turn brings visitors to the area and helps boost the local economy.”

All conditionally approved Global Entry applicants can schedule for this event from their Trusted Traveler Portal (TTP) account by selecting the location as “Tampa International Event Space” or “Fort Myers Enrollment Center”.

The following are dates, times, and locations of the enrollment event.

Tampa GE Enrollment Event Tampa International Airport – Main Terminal (between Airside E and Airside F)

  • March 18 - 22, 2024, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Fort Myers GE Enrollment Event Southwest Florida International Airport – Departure level

  • March 25, 2024, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • March 26, 2024, 6 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • March 27, 2024, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • March 28, 2024, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • March 29, 2024, 6 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Conditionally approved Global Entry applicants who miss this opportunity may still take advantage of CBP’s Enrollment on Arrival interview process. Applicants may complete their required interviews upon their return from international travel at participating airports.

Global Entry is one of the Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler programs that provide modified screening for pre-approved members, improve security by being more efficient during screenings, and facilitate legitimate trade and travel. Global Entry has more than 10 million members, and is utilized at land, air, and seaports of entry into the United States, and at Preclearance locations around the world.

Successful Global Entry applicants also receive the benefit of the TSA PreCheck® program.

Travelers must be pre-approved for all Trusted Traveler programs, including Global Entry. All applicants undergo rigorous and recurring background checks and complete an in-person interview before enrollment.

CBP's border security mission is led at our nation’s Ports of Entry by CBP officers and agriculture specialists from the Office of Field Operations. CBP screens international travelers and cargo and searches for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture, invasive weeds and pests, and other illicit products that could potentially harm the American public, U.S. businesses, and our nation’s safety and economic vitality.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.

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Understanding the CDC’s Updated COVID Isolation Guidance

The updated recommendations align guidance for COVID infection with that for other common respiratory viruses.

Aliza Rosen

For the first time since 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its COVID isolation guidance.

Specifically, it has shifted the recommendation that someone who tests positive for COVID isolate for five days to a timeline based on the progression of the person’s symptoms. The update is part of a larger strategy to provide one set of recommendations for most common respiratory illnesses , including COVID, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

In this Q&A, virologist Andy Pekosz , PhD, a professor in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology , explains the CDC’s new isolation guidance, the reasons for the update, and why the prevention and treatment strategies we’ve all become accustomed to still play an important part in reducing respiratory virus transmission.

What are the updated recommendations for someone who comes down with a respiratory infection?

The updated guidance from the CDC is to “stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren't better explained by another cause.” You can resume normal activities once your symptoms are improving and you’ve been fever-free—without the aid of fever-reducing medications—for at least 24 hours.

For the five days after you resume your normal activities, you should take extra precautions, like wearing a well-fitting mask and maintaining distance from others, gathering outdoors or in well-ventilated areas, cleaning hands and high-touch surfaces often, and testing when possible before gathering with others. If symptoms or fever return, you should start back at square one: staying home and away from others until you’ve been improving and fever-free for at least 24 hours.

What should you do if you’re at higher risk of severe illness?

If you’re at higher risk of severe illness—generally, this is older adults and young children, pregnant people, people with disabilities, and people with compromised immune systems—seek testing and contact your physician. If you test positive for COVID or flu, there are antiviral medications that can be taken within a few days of symptom onset and are extremely effective in reducing the likelihood that your symptoms become severe or that you need to be hospitalized.

How does this differ from previous guidance?

Before this, the CDC recommended that people who test positive for COVID should isolate away from others for five days and wear a well-fitting mask around others for the following five days. This was different from the general guidance for other common respiratory viruses, like flu and RSV.

Now there is no one-size-fits-all duration for how long to isolate; rather, you can resume regular activities—ideally still using other prevention strategies, like masking and distancing—based on when your symptoms have improved and your fever has gone away. 

This marks a significant change in guidance for people who test positive for COVID. Why has the guidance changed?

The CDC has simplified its recommendations for how long to stay home and isolate after testing positive or experiencing symptoms to be consistent across COVID-19, influenza, and RSV infections. This way, anyone who develops symptoms can follow the same isolation guidance, irrespective of what respiratory virus they’re infected with.

It’s important to note, though, that this guidance on how long to isolate is just one part of a larger strategy for combating respiratory viruses that includes:

  • Being up to date on recommended vaccines.
  • Practicing good hygiene regarding hand-washing, sneezing, and coughing.
  • Being aware of antiviral treatment options for COVID-19 and influenza.
  • Taking steps to improve indoor air quality.

If the guidance is the same for all respiratory viruses, is it still important to test to know what someone is sick with?

Yes, testing is still needed in order to get a prescription for antivirals to treat COVID-19 or influenza. Those antivirals have been shown to reduce disease severity in several different groups, so if you are in a high risk group, be sure to test early and contact your physician so you can get the antiviral prescriptions as soon as possible.

Testing can also play an important role in preventing transmission, particularly if you were recently around someone who has since become sick, or if you plan to spend time with someone who is at higher risk of severe infection.

For COVID in particular, rapid home antigen tests are a great way to determine whether you’re still infectious and able to infect others. Symptom severity can be fairly subjective and a presence or lack of symptoms does not always align with infectiousness , so testing out of isolation for COVID is still good practice if you have access to tests.

Does this new guidance mean that all of these respiratory viruses pose the same risk?

No, COVID-19 is still causing more cases and more severe disease than influenza or RSV. A person’s risk for severe infection will also vary based on a number of factors, including age and health conditions .

The updated guidance acknowledges that we can simplify the recommendations for what to do after becoming infected with a respiratory virus, as part of the larger strategy to address spread.

The CDC also recently recommended that people over age 65 receive an additional dose of this year’s COVID vaccine . What drove that decision?

There are a few reasons behind this new recommendation for older adults . First, most severe COVID infections are occurring in individuals 65 years and older who have not been vaccinated recently. The CDC’s recommendation notes that more than half of COVID hospitalizations between October 2023 and December 2023 occurred in adults over 65.

Second, we know immunity after vaccination wanes over a few months, so an additional dose will provide renewed protection through the spring. New COVID variants like JN.1 that are circulating now have some mutations that improve their ability to evade vaccine-induced immunity, but the antibodies made through vaccination still recognize them. It’s not a perfect match, but a second dose of this year’s vaccine will provide protection against current variants to an age group at increased risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

When should people over 65 get this additional dose of the current COVID vaccine?

The recommendation from the CDC is for people 65 and older who have already received one dose of the 2023-24 COVID vaccine to get a second shot at least four months after their most recent dose .

For people in that age group who haven’t had the 2023-24 vaccine, there’s no need to wait. They can get their shot now to be protected through the spring.

Will there be an updated COVID-19 vaccine for these newer variants?

We can likely expect to see a new COVID-19 vaccine available this fall, just like we see new, updated influenza vaccines each fall. This spring—typically around May—a decision will be made on which variants the updated vaccine will be designed around, and like we saw in 2023, the new vaccine will be available in the fall as we head into the typical respiratory virus season.

Aliza Rosen is a digital content strategist in the Office of External Affairs at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

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    OneTrip Travel Insurance Plans. If you're the type who plans one big getaway a year, a OneTrip plan can offer benefits to help you breathe easier -- like trip cancellation, luggage protection, emergency medical benefits, and more. And all plans come with 24-Hour Assistance in case you need expert travel help along the way. SEE PLANS.

  20. What to Know About Trusted Traveler Programs

    Global Entry allows travelers re-entering the U.S. from abroad to expedite the customs process. Members can use a dedicated Global Entry lane to proceed to a kiosk, which will capture a photo to ...

  21. AWP Safety

    At AWP Safety, we go above flagging to offer comprehensive traffic management capabilities. From traffic control planning, to flawless work zone set up - and everything in between - we specialize in guiding traffic safely around the work zone. Protect your work zone with AWP Safety's full range of temporary flagging traffic control services.

  22. PreCheck, Global Entry, CLEAR: We explain U.S. expedited travel programs

    Currently, five travel services provide a fast track through immigration or security screenings. Four of those services— PreCheck, Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS —are operated by the U.S ...

  23. Things to Do, Tickets, Tours & Attractions

    Tours, things to do, sightseeing tours, day trips and more from Viator. Find and book city tours, helicopter tours, day trips, show tickets, sightseeing day tours, popular activities and things to do in hundreds of destinations worldwide, plus unbiased tour reviews and photos of tours and attractions from thousands of travelers

  24. Environmental Organizations in Moscow

    WWF Russia The main trends of WWF work in Russia are: establishment and help to nature protected areas; protection of endangered species, such as Amur Tiger, Far-Eastern and Snow Leopard, Siberian Crane, European Bison and many others; forest conservation and promotion of sustainable forest management through FSC certification; environmental education and capacity building.

  25. CBP announces Global Entry enrollment events for conditionally approved

    TAMPA, Fla. —U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced today a ten-day Global Entry enrollment event in Tampa and Ft. Myers, starting March 18, for applicants who have been conditionally approved to complete the interview portion for this trusted traveler program. "The addition of appointments and location enrollment opportunities reflects CBP Area Port of Tampa's commitment to ...

  26. Understanding the CDC's Updated COVID Isolation Guidance

    Second, we know immunity after vaccination wanes over a few months, so an additional dose will provide renewed protection through the spring. New COVID variants like JN.1 that are circulating now have some mutations that improve their ability to evade vaccine-induced immunity, but the antibodies made through vaccination still recognize them. It ...

  27. Fast and convenient: how ticketing system of Moscow has changed in 2022

    In 2022, the Troika Travel Card started operating on Russian chips. The Moscow Metro and the MSP company began developing it back in 2019. In 2022, the enterprise supplied 3.6 million Russian transport cards to the Metro. By the end of 2027, the company will produce another 15.4 million cards with a Russian chip. ...

  28. '9 in 10 Pinoys traveling locally in 2024'

    The survey showed that 92 percent of Filipinos are making plans to travel domestically in 2024, listing Tagaytay, Baguio, Batangas, Boracay and Palawan as their prospects. Likewise, Filipinos set ...